Swiss Ball Leg Curl

A bodyweight hamstring curl performed with the heels on a Swiss ball. Trains knee flexion and hip extension together for athletes and general lifters.

Intermediate Compound Stability ball
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How to do the Swiss Ball Leg Curl

  1. Lie on your back with your heels on the ball, arms extended for balance.
  2. Lift your hips, creating a straight line from shoulders to heels.
  3. Bend your knees and curl the ball towards you, pressing with your heels.
  4. Extend your legs, rolling the ball back out while keeping your hips lifted.
Full technique — 7 steps
  1. Lie on your back with heels on the Swiss ball and arms out for balance.
  2. Straighten your legs and lift your hips until your body forms a line to the heels.
  3. Tighten your stomach and keep your ribs down as the ball stays centered.
  4. Dig your heels into the ball and curl it toward your glutes by bending your knees.
  5. Keep your hips elevated as your knees bend and the ball rolls underneath you.
  6. Extend your knees to roll the ball back out while holding the bridge position.
  7. Finish with legs straight, hips still lifted, and shoulders anchored to the floor.

Common mistakes

  • Hips dropping during the curl
  • Pulling with toes instead of heels
  • Overarching the lower back
  • Ball drifting side to side

Form cues

  • Drive through your heels
  • Keep hips high
  • Ribs stay down
  • Curl, then extend

Substitutes & similar